Jamu 101: Rice – The Skin-Softening Staple Passed Down Through Generations

Featuring our Rice Facial Cleanser

In the world of Jamu, rice isn’t just food—it’s tradition. Nourishment. A symbol of life and longevity.

Used for centuries by Indonesian women to care for their skin and hair, rice has been a cornerstone of natural beauty rituals. From rice water rinses to finely ground rice powder masks, this humble grain has earned its place as one of the most beloved ingredients in jamu’s plant-powered approach to wellness.

Today, we carry this legacy forward in our Rice Facial Cleanser—a gentle, sulfate-free formula that cleanses, softens, and smooths without stripping the skin.

Why Rice?

Rice is one of the oldest cultivated grains in the world, and in many Asian cultures, it symbolizes purity and nourishment. In jamu rituals, rice water has long been used to treat everything from sun damage to dullness, thanks to its natural content of vitamins, amino acids, and ferulic acid—a powerful antioxidant.

In skincare, rice helps to:

  • Brighten and even skin tone

  • Soothe inflammation

  • Gently exfoliate

  • Restore softness and hydration

That’s why rice isn’t just part of our cleanser—it’s part of our philosophy.

Daily Ritual, Modern Joy: Using Rice for Radiance

Our Rice Facial Cleanser is designed to feel like a moment of calm at the start and end of your day. It transforms from a creamy, cushiony texture into a lightly foaming milk, leaving your skin clean but never dry. With added apple extract to smooth and gently exfoliate, and plum fruit extract to hydrate and uplift, it’s like giving your skin a breath of fresh air.

How to Use It:

  • Apply a small amount to damp skin

  • Massage gently in circular motions

  • Rinse with warm water

  • Use morning and night as part of your ritual

Jamu Wisdom at Home: Rice Water for Hair & Skin

In traditional jamu households, leftover rice water was never thrown away. It was saved—fermented overnight, then used to rinse the hair or splash on the face. The starchy, nutrient-rich water is believed to strengthen hair, soothe scalp irritation, and promote skin clarity.

Want to try it yourself?

  1. Rinse uncooked rice once to remove impurities.

  2. Add fresh water and let soak for 30 minutes to an hour.

  3. Strain, store in a bottle, and use within 3–5 days.

    • For skin: Use as a toner or hydrating splash.

    • For hair: Pour over clean, damp hair, leave for 10 mins, then rinse.

It’s a simple joy with powerful benefits—just like jamu itself.

A Note on Tradition and Transformation

We didn’t invent this—Indonesian women did, long before labs or marketing existed. What JUARA does is honor that knowledge, refining it for modern skin with the help of science and clinical research. Our Rice Facial Cleanser is a love letter to their wisdom, reimagined for your everyday life.

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